Vancouver Food Networks and Food Justice

Across Vancouver, there are networks of committed people focusing on food justice and resilience at the neighbourhood level. The creation of these Neighbourhood Food Networks (NFN) represent the will of community members, organizations, and agencies to collaborate on food-based initiatives and programs. The Neighbourhood Food Network Working Group provides a space for NFN representatives from across the city to collaborate and act with a unified voice.

Disability Alliance BC considers these Food Networks to be vital to the health and well-being of people with disabilities in neighbourhoods across Vancouver. The NFNs provide opportunities for people with disabilities to get involved in food issues in their communities.

Here are the kinds of activities Community Food Networks are involved in:

• Community and school gardens connect people around the rich experience of growing food and foster environmental stewardship.
• Celebrations involving food meet physical, spiritual, social and emotional needs, while at the same time increase community awareness around food security and reduce social isolation.
• Accessing food includes drop-in meals, bulk buying clubs, mobile produce markets, emergency food access, and more. NFNs acknowledge and work to break down barriers that prevent people from accessing nutrient-rich, affordable, and personally acceptable food.
• NFNs share knowledge and resources around every level of our food systems. Education and engagement takes the form of workshops, lectures and films, advocacy, and research.

To check out the Neighbourhood Food Network in your community go to: vancouverfoodnetworks.com

Gordon Neighbourhood House’s Community Herb Gardens provide a free and open place for West Enders in Vancouver to harvest and enjoy fresh herbs.

Current Herb Gardens:

1075 Burnaby St. (at Thurlow)

Mole Hill Housing Society (laneway between Comox and Pendrell, near Bute)

For more information contact Farmer Susanna at susanna@gordonhouse.org

Nutritional counselling services by a certified holistic nutritionist will be available for under-served residents and open to all community members on a sliding scale basis – $0 – $50. This service is aimed at helping you navigate the food choices available in your community and choose the foods that are best suited for your health, taking into consideration any health issues or goals you may have. Improved eating habits can help boost your physical and mental health. This service also aims to help connect residents to affordable, accessible, healthy food programs and options.

Bonnie Chung is a registered holistic nutritionist with many years of experience working in the natural foods industry.  She’s eager to share her nutrition knowledge with the community with a friendly approach.

Contact Bonnie Chung at 778-995-7299 or gorealnutrition@gmail.com to book an appointment. More info: http://www.gorealnutrition.com/
Appointments at Britannia Community Centre
Supported by the Grandview Woodland Food Connection

Grandview Woodland is the neighbourhood in Vancouver within the boundaries of Broadway to the waterfront and Nanaimo to Clark.